Instructors | Artur Nowacki | Faraaz Khan

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ARTUR NOWACKI

During his travels to over 35 countries, Artur Nowacki lived and trained with the Shaolin monks, survived a deadly trek through India, and braved the dangerous altitudes of the Himalayas. Art’s adventures eventually brought him into the world of Muay Thai. Martial arts refined Art, both physically and mentally. As a result, he became recognized as a world-class coach by Muay Thai legend, “The Deadly Kisser.” Through coaching many fine athletes, Art expanded his knowledge of human nature and began offering consulting services. Today, Art’s focus is to give back. He endeavours to reveal and universalize the concept that pain does not have to hurt, nor does fear need to scare.

Awards/Certifications

Muay Thai and Muay Boran Sport Association

WMU – World Muay Thai Union

USEACA – United Southeast Asia Cultural Association

"I've been training with Artur Nowacki for two years at his gym, Nak Muay Muay Thai. He has been my primary sparring partner for my two professional world title fights and for my K-1 debut. He is a very skilled Muay Thai fighter, but equally impressive is his ability to instruct.

He has brought his students’ skill level extremely high in a relatively short period of time. Everyone I've had the pleasure of training with at Nak Muay is friendly, skilled, and hardworking. Canada Island is very fortunate to have someone of Artur's skill level building Muay Thai talent."

"I trained with Professor Artur Nowacki and his students/fighters for several of my professional Muay Thai fights in North America. Artur's passion and willingness to engage fully with his fighters is what sets him apart from other trainers.

Not only is he willing to share his craft with his students but also is always learning himself and trying to make himself a better trainer. He has spent the past 6 months at Tor Sangtiennoi gym holding pads for Lumpinee level fighters and learning from a legend in the sport Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj. In a short period of time (2 years) he has developed several fighters who can compete on a high level in Thailand and North America. I call Artur the Professor because of his scientific approach to a flowing art form. He is able to explain every technique from the inside out. I'm so grateful for the period of time I have spent with Artur and I am excited to see the next great fighters he produces."

"Thank you for your teachings, all of them; technical, tactical and profound. The quality you wear can be seen by the depth of your explanations and how you connect them together. You paint a beautiful picture of what it is to be fully present at the moment of a fight. I will forever be grateful that you shared your knowledge."

"I have been involved in Muay Thai for over 20 years as a fighter, trainer and a gym owner. I have travelled all over the world and seen many gyms, trainers and fighters; Artur Nowacki is one of the best trainers that I have had the honor of meeting.

Not only does he understand the sport, but he understands people and how to help them reach their full potential. To see proof of this, just look at his young stable of fighters and the amazing things that they have accomplished in such a short period of time. More important than all of that though, is that the whole Nak Muay team is a great credit to the sport."

"When Artur asked me to write a testimonial for him, I was honoured as a lot of my success can be attributed to the coaching and life lessons he has shared with me. Most of our time together was spent in Thailand training and fighting in Muay Thai.

I never imagined I would train Muay Thai Let alone participate in competitions but when I meet Artur, he saw something in me and took me under his wing. Artur has an innate ability to take any negative self-image you may have, break it down, make you believe in yourself and empower you to be a stronger more resilient human being. Artur uses Muay Thai as a tool to pass on his lessons in physical, mental and spiritual strength all of which I try to incorporate into my teachings. Without Artur’s belief in me and continual encouragement and support, I wouldn’t be in the position I am, teaching over 120 students and trying my best to inspire them as he inspired me."

"I was always that one fat kid when I was young. Because of my weight, I was always very shy and introverted. Meeting people was extremely difficult for me so I spent most of my time just playing computer games. I could no longer live my life that way as it was hurting my parents and myself so I decided to try to exercise.

That’s when I first encountered with a Muay Thai gym in Korea at the age of 16. The Muay Thai gym was where I met Artur Nowacki for the first time. It also hadn’t been that long for him to have started learning Muay Thai at that time. As he didn’t really have an appropriate workout partner, we naturally got to spend a lot of time together which eventually took up the most important part of my adolescent years. As I still struggled when meeting new people, he taught me how to treat others, how to speak English, and how to exercise properly. In addition, we became very close as he told me what foreign cultures were like and his own travel stories. As I spent more time with Artur, I became more confident and it allowed me to make new friends much more easily and make great memories. I cannot describe how much I value my time I have spent with him and how much influence he has left on me to become a coach today. He is the best coach as well as the most perfect training partner in my life who has made me the person I am today. I send so much gratitude to my amazing Muay Thai coach Artur Nowacki for all the things he has done for me. Thank you, Artur."

"Last training session this morning with the legendary "Polish Professor" before he and his team head off to Thailand on Monday. It's hard to put into words what he and I have shared over the past couple of years; there have been many challenges and hard earned victories both in and out of the ring.

Above all though are the lessons I carry forth with me, that little "Art" voice inside me that always has seen how capable I am and speaks with unwavering confidence of my abilities. This man has taught me that I can endure and overcome anything, and I remind myself of that almost daily. Artur Nowacki, thank you for being the coach I needed right when I needed it most. I am forever grateful for everything we accomplished together, and the unending journey still ahead that you will alway be a part of!!"

"Art Nowacki is a student of the world, certainly, but he is also something of an enigma. He is a committed teacher, who looks for new ways to reach inside people and inspire them toward their dreams. He uses metaphor and deep breathing techniques. His lessons are guided workshops.

He has a unique view on human potential and positivity. And I often wonder, "Where did this guy come from?" Perhaps because he seems entirely self-made, and free of every materialistic trapping. Maybe his Asiatic travels and his studies into Martial Arts and meditation have made him an intuitive and quick learner. Whatever he touches, he seems to master. Whatever he teaches, is well grounded."

"I met Art at charn chai Muay Thai gym, in Pai, Northern Thailand, I got there in the pursuit of a nice body, like the one you see professional Thai Thai boxers are “wearing”. I thought that training the same way they do then I will have it. At the time I didn’t know I was pursuing self acceptance.

So during one of my first mornings at the gym this guy, which was not Thai as usual but a foreigner, steps in front of me and clearly and concisely explains what to do. I get the drill he is explaining but I also get an overwhelming feeling.. then, head down, I just do the drill. During the next month at the gym me and Artur bond, he is my trainer and I feel it as a meaningful connection which inspires me and gives me many important insights about myself.

I notice I’m not the only one feeling that way about Artur, many of the trainees attentively listen to him like they are feeding from his words, they trust him blindly and come back to Thailand just to see and/or train with him. They train with him and than open a successful business, they train with him and their fighting skills raise levels in so short time, beginners train with him then fight the best Thais in matters of months.

... This guy has something.

Gets time to leave Thailand for me, and moving on even my life starts taking a different direction. Some resistance but I feel it’s time for a change, this moments happen but this time I’m not scared to put all I have on the line and leave everything I have to take the risk of investing in a all new project. Go deeper inside myself and look for who I really am and so what I really feel like doing… What’s going on now? Now, This is what was happening, Artur has the power to show you that you can actually do what you didn’t even trusted a second you could even try to do. And show that you can walk the path you feel, and can make it happen. With him Is not just about Muay Thai. Is about being brutally honest and accepting yourself where you are now. It’s seeing what the confidence of trusting your own legs to go towards what seemed not possible feels like, and start walking down the way you always wanted to. My encounter with Artur Changed my life."

"Here is my testimony, with Pleasure: I have been training with Arthur in Paï, Thailand, for a month, in late 2013. Artur is a very talented trainer, which explains very well all kind of techniques, from basics to very specific techniques.

He also explains the reasons of practicing each technique, which enables you to improve fast. If you train with him, the best is to take notes of what you learn, and practice by yourself before starting the next training, and to train for a long time with him. I enjoyed very much training with him."

"In 2011 I met Artur Nowacki, he is a very nice person as well as very respectful, then I said to myself that he could be one our representative to my cause, to spread our art and culture in many ways. He told me that he had a few students that would like to come to my small event at my gym.

So because he is such an amazing guy, he brought 8 of his students over with their sleeping bags from victory island British Columbia. They slept in my gym and they fought the next day. After the fight they slept in my gym once again some in the boxing ring, some on the floor then from that day forward we developed a great friendship. His students are amazing and all of them were game they all wanted to fight. some of them went on to become champions. Then in 2013 because he showed me how great a person he is, I invited him to join our brotherhood of USEACA he gladly agreed, so we swore him in to join our organization of USEACA. To this day he remains our brother, and hopefully many years to come in the future."

"He has visited me, staying and practicing at my gym since 2014. He also assisted me with my Thai and international boxers. Artur is a great Thai boxing trainer. Before he arrived, I researched his profile about his boxing skills; he trained about boxing (Muay Thai) in Canada for 3 years then he came to Thailand.

His character is a perfect match for coaching Thai boxing on an advanced technique level, as he is calm, has brilliant skill, and loves to help others. He surprised me once when we went to Ratchadamnern Boxing Stadium, where he coached my fighter in a World Class fight (Thanonchai Tor Sangtiennoi vs Sangmanee Sor Tienpo). That day, my boxer got cut by the elbow; during the fight he was still bleeding a lot. Artur was able to stop the bleeding of my fighter and the fight went to the full five rounds, with my fighter winning the fight. Later my fighter had 38 stitches to his face. This situation showed me how he is World Class. I am so proud to have worked with him."

"I have known Artur for 12 years now and it has been a journey since the first day I met him. I originally met Artur through Muay Thai as a 17-year-old looking to try a new sport and learn about martial arts. What started as training, which pushed me physically harder than I knew was possible, turned into a lifelong relationship and mentorship that truly impacted the person I am today.

My hours at the gym turned into many more hours of conversation, learning about perspective, balance in life, and ultimately owning my mind through understanding myself and others. Though he was originally my Muay Thai trainer, Artur soon became a lifelong mentor which helped me deal with trauma, personal perceptions, and my own limited beliefs that originally shaped me growing up in a small town. I soon found the courage to follow my passion, shift my mindset and have taken his teachings throughout everything I have done. I have been able to shape my personal and career life to something that I never knew possible and Artur was a big part of that. His mindset and knowledge brought a new perspective that taught me more than I can put into words. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today without his mentorship. The confidence and mindset to challenge myself along the way and push myself outside my comfort zone to maximize my personal growth to new boundaries, all was a direct output of the hours and hours of conversation. I now consider Artur a mentor, friend, and one of the most influential people in my life."

"Artur is a very technical and skilled Muay Thai trainer – not only technique-wise but also in his methodology of teaching. He is very precise, sharp and doesn't make you copy his style but will make you understand the body echanics behind it.

I highly appreciate his background in sport science as well as his fundamental understanding of the Thai training mentality which is often neglected (or not to be found) in Westerner's approach. In that sense, he is somewhat of a bridge that connects the best parts of both mentalities. I highly recommend anyone to train with him – no matter if you're pro or a bloody beginner!"

FARAAZ KHAN

From an early age, Faraaz Khan immersed himself in the art of Muay Thai, yearning to grasp the intricate movements and attitude of a warrior. In addition to combat sports, Faraaz began pursuing the highly competitive and global platform of e-sports. The world’s first Dark Souls III no-hit run, an incredibly difficult feat for a notoriously difficult game, was Faraaz’s first claim to fame, followed up by challenges in fan favourites such as Bloodborne and God of War. Recognized internationally for record-breaking results, Faraaz is also featured in “The Book of E-Sports: The Definitive Guide through Competitive Video Games” at Cornell and Harvard Business School for his vast achievements and successes.

Faraaz has been one of my closest friends for the last 2 years but had been positively impacted my life well before that. That is one of the strengths Faraaz excels at, speaking to the idea and energy that can be helpful in a person’s life whether he has a personal history with them or not.

He is steadfast in his convictions to see those around him be actionable in pursuing their best self with intentional effort and commitment to integrity and work ethic. He challenges, supports, and encourages the pursuit of excellence in everything someone does, and I wholeheartedly believe that Faraaz would be a positive addition to the conversation for anyone who is seeking to maximize their performance and potential. He may not always tell you what you want to hear, but he will always tell you what he believes you need to hear to be the best version of yourself possible.

Faraaz has the much sought-after gift of being able to speak to a person for just a few minutes before being able to understand them, and if they so wish, direct them towards growth.

Even before he worked his way up to recognition among hundreds of people daily, Faraaz spent what seemed like every waking moment helping people close to him. Once on a more substantial stage, his philosophy of continuous self-betterment and self-fulfilment resonated across his community, where he managed to enrich the lives of people continuously.

Throughout my time knowing Faraaz, I have seen him help people overcome their fears, their insecurities and their deep-rooted negative habits, leading to a crescendo of personal growth for the individual. He is firmly aware that a sturdy, confident career is often key to the successes of life, whether they be business or personal.

His character however hasn’t remained rigid over my five or so years of knowing him. Whilst he has always been bastion for truth and integrity, he has gradually eased into his obvious talents. Exposed to people from all walks of life, he has learned how to present his beliefs and his advice to a wide range of people without overwhelming or intimidating them.

What I have seen over the years, is Faraaz’s skills in understanding the true wants and needs of a person and helping them attain that through a personal journey they can envision.

Now honing his skills into a professional, focused business model, I have every confidence Faraaz will continue to lead people towards self-improvement, as he has done for hundreds of others over the years.

I first met Faraaz while researching The Book of Esports, a comprehensive overview of the competitive gaming industry that has since become the industry-standard for understanding esports. I was immediately impressed by Faraaz’s diligence, confidence and charisma.

And the more I studied his successes in competitive gaming, the more I realized they were due, in large part, to a deep inner well of strength and mental fortitude. But perhaps more importantly, Faraaz impressed me with his kindness and warmth. He is always approachable, friendly, and caring for others. I feel this unique combination of abilities make Faraaz perfectly suited to high performance coaching. After all, I know he’s taught me a thing or two (or ten!)

I have known Faraaz for several years and have always admired his incredible ability to speak the truth when others avoid it. He encourages people around him to express their true selves and embrace a culture of change.

He has an uncanny ability to push others to improve their performance while also maintaining high integrity. As a competitor in multiple careers, Faraaz has always been tenacious. He brings that energy into everything he does, and is a catalyst for positive change.

Faraaz is one of the most positive influential people I've had the privilege of knowing. When we first met there were many things in my life I would change. This included living with my parents, I was very insecure and I had no direction or motivation in my career or life in general.

Through his passion and deep understanding of what drives people; Faraaz guided me on the path to reshaping my life. I am now happily married for 2+ years, I'm successful in the job of my dreams, and I'm living a life I only could've dreamed of before. I honestly never would have imagined when I first met Faraaz how drastically my life would change for the better. He has an incredible amount of motivation to help others and he makes the most of it. I wouldn't be half the man I am today if it wasn't for the intervention of my dearest friend Faraaz Khan.

Faraaz Khan has been and continues to be one of the most special individuals in my life. An honest man to a fault, with not only others but most importantly himself, he is one who can truly absorb what is useful and discard what is not.

Whether it be in the realm of relationships, career moves, or general life direction, the impact that Faraaz has has brought to my life can never be overstated. I can honestly say that without his presence in my life, I would never have reached the heights that I currently have, and I would not be consistently grasping for higher ones. Ultimately, Faraaz is resilient, strong of mind and body, and yet so very generous with others who truly seek to join him on the often perilous path upwards. I'm both lucky and proud to call him my friend.